Pokemon, arguably one of the most preeminent gaming franchises of all time, has many constants within its successful formula. Though the names and places often change in each game, at its core is the same narrative of exploration, learning, and seeing a whole new world through the eyes of a child. Another constant is, of course, parents.
The main character is often plagued by repeated absentee fathers. However, the presence of their doting mother can always be relied upon. Other characters in the franchise, too, have varied relationships with their parents – some good, some terribly bad. Though parent-child relationships within the Pokemon universe do span the full gamut, here are some of the best that appear in this popular series.
10 Galar Region Mom (Sword & Shield)
This mom, or Mum as she’s instead known within the strong Galarian dialect, follows much of the same cozy and familiar characteristics of previous Pokemon mothers. She wears a set of blue overalls, exudes cottagecore charm, and supports the players on their journey with pocket money and rest when they come to visit.
But where she really stands out is in her appearance. Depending on which photo the player chooses at the start of the game, her skin, hair, and eye color will change to match. It’s nice to see a mom so willing to support their child’s presentation.
9 Bianca’s Father (Black & White)
He certainly may not start out as the best parent, but being one of the few active fathers in the franchise earns him some brownie points. Bianca’s father is quite protective, forbidding his daughter to go on a journey as he feels it's too dangerous for someone “who knows nothing about the world”.
After being confronted by Elesa, however, he changes his tune and says he looks forward to the stories his daughter will be able to tell. It’s a welcome surprise to see an authoritative father loosen up a little.
8 Melony (Sword & Shield)
Another parent with a less than perfect relationship with their child is Melony, though she does try to make up for it. Melony is an ice-type Gym Leader who wanted her son Gordie to take over as her successor. Gordie, however, wanted to be a rock-type Trainer instead which fractured both their relationship and community of Circhester.
It’s certainly not the first time a child’s life choices have caused a breakdown in the relationship, and in this way Melony might be one of the most true-to-life parental representations. Though she and Gordie are taking a step back from the relationship for a while, Melony is still the founding member of his fan club.
7 Grace (X & Y)
One of the few mothers to earn herself a name, Grace is the Kalos region Mom. She might be a little pushy, but she undoubtedly has the players’ best interests at heart. Grace is completely supportive of the protagonist’s Pokemon Trainer journey and encourages them to come rest at home when they find the time.
Not only does she distinguish herself from other moms with a name, but she’s one of the few parents with a history too. As a former Rhyhorn racer, Grace has quite a reputation among the other Trainers and is certainly a popular character.
6 Norman (Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, Pokemon Masters EX)
As the only representation of the protagonist’s father, Norman has a lot of expectations to live up to. He may miss some markers here and there, but he is, at the very least, present. In the Generation III games, and their IV remakes, he serves as the leader of the Petalburg Gym.
However, it is in Pokemon Masters EX that Norman’s parenting skills are taken to the next level. He regularly fights battles in tandem with his son Brendan, and praises his accomplishments whenever he gets the chance. Perhaps he learned from his mistakes, but whatever the reason Norman is clearly dedicated to being a good father in this game.
5 Johto Region Mom (Gold & Silver, Crystal)
This Mom might seem to be cut from the same cloth as the others, but she has a unique grasp of financial wellbeing that proves to be a valuable resource. When players set out on their grand journey of becoming a Pokemon Trainer, they have option of getting their Mom’s help to save money.
If accepted, a quarter of all battle winnings will be sent to her for safe keeping and can be deposited or withdrawn at any time. Occasionally, she will buy berries or decorations with a little of the money saved and will give these to the player with a profuse apology.
4 Professor Cedric Juniper (Black & White)
As the father of Professor Aurea Juniper, it’s clear that intelligence and curiosity run in the family. But one thing that Cedric Juniper must have prioritized in his parenting style was generosity. Both Professor Junipers offer the players key Pokedex upgrades, Technical Machines, and items throughout the game.
Cedric Juniper has an unshakable faith in his daughter’s knowledge and capabilities, and the two have a very close and loving relationship. In the second version of the games the two even work in the same laboratory. This would probably be a horrible arrangement for anyone but the Junipers.
3 Johanna (Diamond & Pearl, Platinum)
Another of the Pokemon moms to get her own name is Johanna, who is the Sinnoh region Mom. Not only is she a supportive maternal figure in the protagonist’s life, she’s an accomplished Pokemon Coordinator in her own right too.
Johanna isn’t content to just spend all of her time keeping house, and can often be found out in the world either at the Contest Hall or visiting the player’s villa. She sometimes even enters Master Rank Super Contests with Jumpy, her Kangaskhan. But she’s also never too busy to cheer the protagonist on in the Battle Hall either.
2 Alola Region Mom (Sun & Moon)
This Mom made the ultimate sacrifice and uprooted her life in Kanto for a better standard of living in Alola. Moreover, in the process, she entered a long-distance relationship with her husband who had to stay behind. But her near-constant smiles and positivity would fool anyone.
This Mom can often be seen before big battles ready to cheer on her child, and often accompanied by her loyal Meowth. In her youth, she was a fearsome trainer known as Scratch Cat Girl and was known for being ruthless in battle. She and her husband keep in contact by sending each other sweet letters.
1 Kanto Region Mom (Red & Blue, Yellow, FireRed & LeafGreen)
As the original maternal figure of the Pokemon series, this Mom has appeared in five of the nine generations. Supportive, loving, and always open to a visit from her precious child, she never fails to make Kanto feel like home.
This Mom was also the inspiration for Delia Ketchum in the Pokemon anime series, who is considered by many fans as the queen of all moms ever. No matter how far players have traveled, or how many battles they’ve lost and won, Kanto region Mom will always be waiting to welcome them home.